Media centre

Friday 11 Oct 2024

TWO WEEKS TO GO: Engineering upgrades to close Lymington branch line

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Essential work will close the railway between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier in Dorset between Saturday 26 October and Sunday 3 November with buses replacing trains.

Network Rail engineers will be replacing almost a mile’s worth of track on the branch line to help improve reliability and reduce the number of faults on the line.

The new track will also be treated by a specialist Land Rover able to travel both on the road and the railway – known as a Sand Rover. This vehicle will drive along the tracks and apply a sticky sand-like gel to help trains grip the tracks during wet and slippery conditions.

Engineers will also begin the first of a two-stage programme of work to improve the viaduct which runs over the river between Lymington Town and Lymington Pier. This will include improving the durability of the structure as well as carrying out preventative works to make sure the viaduct continues to safely carry passengers over Lymington River into the future.

This second phase of this work will be completed from 21 December to 5 January 2025 during a two-week closure.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this work will cause and thank passengers for their patience during this period.

“This work is critical for the continued safe and reliable running of the Lymington branch line over Lymington River which we know is a popular line that provides visitors with regular ferry connections to the Isle of Wight.

“During this time, the railway between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier will be closed, and a rail replacement bus service will be in operation to allow our engineers to safely complete their work. We’re working closely with our train operator partner South Western Railway and Wightlink Ferry company to ensure passengers can continue their journeys.”

A South Western Railway spokesperson said: “With our colleagues at Network Rail set to carry out vital maintenance between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier, we’re advising customers to check before travelling. Buses will replace trains, calling at Lymington Town.

“Customers should also note that there will be a closure between Southampton Central and Brockenhurst on the first weekend of the closure, again with buses replacing trains. We’re sorry for the disruption that this will cause and would encourage customers to check before travelling.”